The thing that impresses me the most, however, is the fact that all of the events are completely sold out and the stadium is packed to bursting. The atmosphere in the velodrome and the aquatics centre is, if anything, even louder and more enthusiastic than it was for the Olympics. The country has embraced the Paralympics in a manner that makes me proud.
You know how I feel about the lack of TV coverage in the USA. It shames that allegedly mighty nation. Robyn said on Facebook yesterday: "The US has 233 athletes competing in the Paralympics, and we're set to win all sorts of medals. Why isn't this all over the news here, especially when you consider so many of our athletes are injured vets who lost limbs fighting on our behalf?"
General Martin Dempsey, the US Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, the highest ranking military officer in the US is over here at the Paralympic shooting range and was interviewed last night on the news (in an unconscionably spiffy full dress uniform), saying how rightfully proud he is of the achievements of his Veterans as a part of the huge American Paralympic team. He said that he would go back across the pond and look into the shameful lack of TV coverage there and I hope he kicks some righteous ass.
Are the US TV networks too embarrassed to show their Paralympians? I cannot believe that the US public just aren't interested. Do let me know if the TV and press coverage improves over there.
10 comments:
I hope your boss approves! but it is worth watching…
All the partners are in London (some of them at the Paralympics), so the mice can play. I'm watching the cycling in the velodrome at the moment and it's brilliant. I can't wait to get home and enjoy a whole weekend of it.
Oh, and Mum: if you watch it online there are none of the imbecile chatty bits from the studio that you get on TV; it's all non-stop sports with the choice of what to watch.
You've got a massive new iMac. Make yourself a nice cup of green tea, Google Channel 4's Paralympics live coverage and enjoy.
Phil tried to ring you and they said you were on holiday, so I tried to ring the office and it says the equipment is switched off where are you?
Just in case, 'cause you never know, I tried live-streaming, but as I'm out of the area, I'm not allowed access. Damn.
Dammit!
Yeah, damn. But I did get all I wanted last night and before of promises of jobs and progress as envisioned by the Fundamentalist Christian Fascist party of the United States.
They do seem to be cultivating a set of values borrowed from both the Nazi party and the Taliban. It's fascinating yet horrific and I'm really glad there's a few thousand miles of ocean between them and me.
CNN did a news article with photos about the Paralympics. I haven't had a chance to check out more. (We don't have cable TV; only get local stations)
The US TV networks are way too concerned about $$ -- and it shows in the many stupid decisions they make.
Stupid indeed, Ms.M. and very shortsighted. If only Obama would praise the achievements of the injured war veterans competing for the USA in the Paralympics he would begin to swing the military vote away from the right wingers. I'm amazed such a political gold mine has not been exploited to the hilt by both parties and all your TV networks. The US makes a big noise about its pride in the military but seems ashamed of showing the true bravery of their veterans, preferring to sweep them under the carpet.
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